Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes and Gravy

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🥘 Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes and Gravy

Introduction

Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes is the epitome of hearty, home-cooked comfort food. Juicy pork chops are browned to perfection, then baked in a rich, creamy mushroom and onion gravy with tender chunks of potatoes. This dish combines the warmth of family dinners with the rustic charm of Southern kitchens. Each bite melts in your mouth — savory, creamy, and full of love.

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History

Smothered dishes have deep roots in Southern American cuisine, dating back to the early 19th century. The term “smothered” refers to cooking meat slowly in its own juices and gravy until it becomes tender. Originally, this technique was used by African American cooks in the South to make inexpensive cuts of meat flavorful and soft. Over time, “smothered pork chops” became a Sunday staple, shared across generations as a symbol of love, patience, and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

🧂 For the Pork Chops and Potatoes:

6 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

🍄 For the Gravy:

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional but highly recommended)

2 tablespoons flour

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream or milk

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon dried parsley

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a large baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Pork Chops

1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Sear pork chops for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, melt butter.
2. Add chopped onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

1. Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
2. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
3. Add heavy cream (or milk), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and parsley.
4. Stir and simmer until thickened and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Arrange diced potatoes evenly in the greased baking dish.
2. Place seared pork chops over the potatoes.
3. Pour the gravy mixture evenly over everything.
4. Cover the dish with foil.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and pork chops are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 145°F / 63°C).

Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow browning.

Step 7: Serve

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish.

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Benefits

Protein-rich: Pork chops provide essential protein for muscle repair.

Comforting & Filling: Ideal for cold weather or family dinners.

Nutrient-packed: Potatoes offer potassium and fiber; onions and mushrooms add antioxidants.

Homemade & Economical: Affordable ingredients with restaurant-quality flavor.

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Formation (Cooking Science)

The beauty of this dish lies in smothering — a slow-cooking method that locks in flavor.

• The searing forms a golden crust, sealing in juices.
• The roux-based gravy binds all ingredients together, ensuring creamy texture.
• Baking allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors of the gravy and meat, resulting in a unified, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

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Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 480 kcal

Protein: 38 g

Fat: 26 g

Carbohydrates: 22 g

Fiber: 3 g

Sodium: 720 mg

Calcium: 70 mg

Iron: 2 mg

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Lovers of This Dish ❤️

Home cooks who enjoy traditional Southern comfort food.

Families looking for a hearty one-pan meal.

Couples sharing cozy dinners on chilly nights.

Food lovers who appreciate creamy, savory flavors and rich sauces.

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Conclusion

Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes and Gravy is more than just a meal — it’s a comforting tradition that brings people together. Every spoonful tells a story of home, warmth, and love. It’s perfect for a Sunday family dinner, a special date night, or any day you crave soul-satisfying food.

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For Lovers Again 💕

Those who fall in love with this dish don’t just crave the flavor — they crave the feeling. The tenderness of the pork, the creaminess of the gravy, and the aroma of baked potatoes create a moment of pure joy that lingers long after the meal ends.

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